US seizes US$18 million in drugs in the Caribbean Sea

MIAMI, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says the crew of its cutter 'Vigilant' has returned home to Cape Canaveral in Florida after offloading more than 1,510 pounds of cocaine and 1,470 pounds of marijuana seized in the Caribbean Sea, with a combined value of about US$18.5 million.

The US Coast Guard said that, during the Vigilant's 54-day patrol, Coast Guard crews, working alongside interagency and international partners, seized the illegal drugs in the Caribbean Sea during two separate interdictions.

Along with the illicit narcotics, the US Coast Guard said 15 suspected smugglers were apprehended and will face prosecution in federal courts by the US Department of Justice.

The crew also rescued or assisted more than 40 people in the Caribbean before and after Hurricane Milton.

“This was another exceptional patrol highlighting the versatility of our cutter and crew conducting search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and counter-narcotic operations,” said Commander Jon Potterton, commanding officer of Vigilant.

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“We are proud to work seamlessly with partner nations, partner agencies, and other Coast Guard assets to keep drugs off the streets and rescue people in distress during a very busy hurricane season. We look forward to returning to our community and families and celebrating Cutter Vigilant's 60 years of service.”